Suggestions on tires

Try the Mitas C02 rear.

I use the Dunlop MX51. I ride in the desert of SoCal, soft sand, big rocks, small rocks and hard pack, it has it all. The MX51 works really well in all conditions and the wear is pretty good.

I use a Mitas CO2 stone king, very good on rocks as you can guess by the name. very long lasting, But i personally think its crap in mud, Have been thinking of switching to a Maxis. :bounce3:

I ride in similar sounding conditions up here in the Ottawa Valley and I've found the Michelin M12 to be an excellent all-round tire on the trails. Only downside is that do tend to wear somewhat quickly.

You have your choice really,

Tires that work really good and don't last too long, or tires that work okay and last longer.

I used to run the MT-18 Pirrelli's with the 4mm Bridgestone tubes and slime, but, since they switched to the XCMH designation they are crap as far as how well they work. They are a heavy tire, and if you are looking for tire that is very flat resistant then they are a good choice. And since they are heavy they increase the un-sprung weight, so it affects how your suspension works.

I have since switched to the Bridgestone 403/404 tires with the 4mm Bridgestone tubes and slime. I run them at 13 psi max, and they work great! Night and day difference between the Pirrelli's. They are a much lighter tire and as such their effect on suspension action is also noticeable, E.G. the wheels follow the ground much better. And since they are a more compliant tire, the overall ride is noticeably more plush. The first time I tried them out was after the 6 hours of Glen Helen, and I thought my suspension oil was shot and needed service.

These tires have excellent traction and hold up well in the rocks with minimal rear tire chunking, and front tire side knob tearing. The last race I rode on them was a pretty grueling National Hare and Hound here in So Cal that was mostly just rocks on the second and third loops. While the tires showed wear, they still were working good.

My next move will be to install bib mousses in them and try them out, along with a set of Michelin XC-12's before this years Idaho City 100. That way I don't have to carry a flat fixing kit, and more importantly don't have to worry about flats.

The 403/404s are a very good tire for track or off road. They handle nearly everything very well.
I have the 403 on the front of one of my FE 650s and the Pirelli xcms on my other FE 650.
The xcms is an awsome tire that works best on the softer side of terrain. Great in mud. It's DOT and works well
even in hard pack dirt.
For the rear to handle what your looking for ( Pumis, mud and rock) you want a tire to grip well and not chunk on the rock. I would say IRC M5B if not for the rock because it will chunk some.
The 404 is a good choice if you don't mind the somewhat small size ofered in the 18 with their 110/100.
I wanted a bigger tire on my 650.
I have the Pirelli scorpion mx extra on the rear now. It's a big tire at 120/100/18. Almost too tall as it rubs just a hair on the mud flap. I run the bridgestone ultras with 13psi and it does very well everywhere, doesn't chunk on rock and lasts just as long as the 404 or even longer. If it does have a weakness it would be in the mud but not that bad if you keep the pressure at 13.

Pollo

Does anyone out there know if the Mitas C-02 rear tire is sold in the US?

Thanks

I ran the Dunlop Geomax mx 31 front and mx 51 on a WR426 when I was in the states riding in Yosemite 2 years ago. I found it to be a great tyre combo with plenty of grip in the front and a heap of wear on the rear. I was so impressed I was going to change to the same combo here in Australia when I returned. First I have to stop winning damn Michellin AC10 tyres. I am now on the 3rd set, and just when I think i am ready for the Dunlops, another pair of Michellin shows up.

I cant complain though, fitted with moose tubes the Michellin is a great tyre and gives great traction and response in all but the wettest and slopiest of conditions.

The one series of tyres I would say to stay well away from, DUNLOP 952 enduros. They are utter utter crap. They make the front totaly unstable and push in every corner. It only lasted about 3 rides on my 04 450 Berg and I through it in the bin. It was that bad I wouldnt even give it to my mates!

brandonB1 said:

Does anyone out there know if the Mitas C-02 rear tire is sold in the US?

Thanks

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Look on the Mitas USA website for your nearest dealer and give them a call. I use the C02 stoneking and find it an excellent (and very popular) choice over here in the UK.

http://www.mitas-tires.com/index.php?stranka=11